Hardrock 100 - Elevation Profile, Aid Stations and Cutoffs
The Hardrock 100 is a 161km loop through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with around 10,000m of elevation gain and loss, starting and finishing in Silverton. The cutoff is 48 hours, and the highest point is the summit of Handies Peak at 4,282m - the race spends most of its time above 3,000m.
Course profile
- Distance
- 161 km
- Elevation gain
- 10,000 m
- Elevation loss
- 10,000 m
- Highest point
- Handies Peak (4,282 m)
- Cutoff
- 48h
- Typical winning time
- ~22h30
Hardrock alternates direction each year (clockwise and counterclockwise) and finishes when runners kiss the Hardrock - a painted boulder in Silverton. Altitude is the defining factor: the course average is around 3,400m, and weather can swing from heat to lightning, hail, and snow in a single afternoon. Ouray, Grouse Gulch, and Sherman are the main crew points.
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide.
Enter a goal finish time and see estimated arrivals vs checkpoint cutoffs.
Plan against barriersElevation profile
Aid stations and checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Km | Cumulative gain (m) | Cumulative loss (m) | Crew | Drop bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Silverton | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - |
| Cunningham Gulch | 14 | 1,200 | 500 | No | No |
| Ouray | 42 | 3,700 | 3,300 | Yes | Yes |
| Engineer | 60 | 5,700 | 4,200 | No | No |
| Grouse Gulch | 74 | 6,600 | 5,700 | Yes | Yes |
| Animas Forks | 90 | 8,100 | 6,400 | No | No |
| Sherman | 109 | 9,300 | 8,200 | Yes | Yes |
| Silverton (Finish) | 161 | 10,000 | 10,000 | Yes | No |
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide. Source: official race guide, verified June 12, 2026 - Official race website
FAQ
How long is Hardrock 100 and where is it?
The Hardrock 100 covers approximately 161km (about 100 miles) in a loop through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, starting and finishing in Silverton. The direction alternates each year.
How much elevation gain does Hardrock 100 have?
Hardrock has around 10,000m (roughly 33,000ft) of cumulative elevation gain and the same amount of loss over 161km, at an average course elevation of around 3,400m.
What is the cutoff time for Hardrock 100?
The Hardrock cutoff is 48 hours. Winning times are typically around 22-23 hours, reflecting the extreme altitude and terrain.
What is the highest point of Hardrock 100?
The highest point is the summit of Handies Peak at 4,282m (14,048ft), a full fourteener crossed mid-race. The course average elevation is around 3,400m.
How many aid stations does Hardrock have and which allow crew?
The checkpoint table lists 6 major aid points between the start and finish in Silverton. Crew access is allowed at Ouray (42km), Grouse Gulch (74km), and Sherman (109km), which also take drop bags. Access roads are mountain roads - allow generous travel time between stations.
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